The 6 Most Stolen Products in Pharmacies… and How Technology Can Help

Person seen from behind stealing in a modern pharmacy
Person seen from behind stealing in a modern pharmacy

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In the pharmaceutical sector, shoplifting remains a very real issue. Even though pharmacies are perceived as trustworthy places, they are not spared from losses due to theft. But which products are targeted the most… and more importantly, how can we address this in a modern and intelligent way?

Discover below the 6 products most often stolen in pharmacies , and how innovative solutions like suspicious gesture detection can significantly reduce these losses while improving the customer experience.


💊 Over-the-Counter Medications

Painkillers, cold remedies, antacids, and other self-service medications are often targeted. Easy to access and small in size, they can be concealed in an instant.

How to address this?
Real-time detection of suspicious gestures (such as hiding a product under clothing, in a bag, or even in a stroller) allows staff to be alerted without disturbing customers.


🪥 Oral Care Products

Electric toothbrushes, whitening kits, or branded toothpastes are frequent targets. Their higher price makes them attractive items for opportunistic thieves.

Benefit of smart surveillance:
With precise gesture analysis, it is possible to identify abnormal behavior without resorting to intrusive monitoring.


🧴 Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Face creams, anti-aging serums, high-end makeup… These products combine small size with high value, an ideal combination for theft.

The solution?
An artificial intelligence system like the one offered by Oxania detects abnormal behaviors even before a theft occurs, enabling proactive prevention.


🚼 Baby Products

Infant formula, diapers, and wipes are also regularly targeted.

Artificial intelligence for an effective approach:
Thanks to gesture-based detection, staff can intervene in a considerate way, without creating tension with customers.


🧼 Premium Body Care Products

Essential oils, organic lotions, or dermatological creams are often stolen in urban pharmacies. Their placement on easily accessible shelves makes theft easier.

AI advantage:
Cameras equipped with intelligent algorithms continuously analyze movements without storing personal data, thus ensuring privacy is respected.


🧠 Dietary Supplements

Vitamins, fat burners, slimming products, or sleep aids are among the most popular—and most stolen—items.

Reducing losses:
By identifying risky behaviors (quick concealment, suspicious gestures), teams can act quickly and effectively.


🤖 Technology Serving Security… and Customer Experience

Today, it is possible to secure pharmacies without turning the space into a fortress. Innovative solutions like artificial intelligence-based suspicious gesture detection offer a modern response to shoplifting challenges.

👉 They make it possible to reduce losses , increase staff vigilance and, above all, provide customers with a smooth, stress-free experience .

Companies like Oxania offer high-performance, privacy-friendly technologies that are already being used by many businesses in the sector.


🛍️ In Conclusion

Theft in pharmacies is a reality, but it is not inevitable. By combining smart prevention , cutting-edge technology and a customer-centric approach , pharmacies can create a safer environment for everyone.


💡 Want to learn more about intelligent detection solutions for suspicious behaviors? Contact us for a personalized demonstration.

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